Play Dough Robots

What kid doesn’t love a robot? Here’s an easy way for kids to design and build their own robot, with glittery, shiny “metal” play dough and recycled computer parts. Granted, they don’t actually move like real robots, but that’s where the kids’ imagination comes into play :) Keep reading to the end for this week’s Love to Learn Linky, too. This post contains affiliate links.

Computer Part Play Dough Robots

Last week, we took apart an old keyboard and flat screen monitor we found at the recycling center. It was an amazing experience in deconstruction for my preschool aged daughter and kept her entertained for over an hour the first day and for more daily sessions afterwards. For hints on how to make your computer part session successful, click on over to the Computer Deconstruction post.

MY LATEST VIDEOS

After we took the components apart, it was time to dream up ways to use the parts. Enter robots. And play dough… Shiny, glittery metal-like play dough.

My daughter used some wire bundles for arms and capacitors for the face. She insisted that the robot needed an operation panel full of buttons, so in went a piece of circuit board. Keyboard keys make great feet, too.

The insert inside the keyboard made an awesome texture press for the play dough too.

“Metal” Play Dough Recipe

Combine flour, salt and cream of tartar n a large pot and stir until well mixed.

Stir in water and oil until combined. Add black food coloring until a light grey color is achieved.

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until dough is thick.

Remove play dough from the pot and place on a plate or cookie sheet to cool. Cover with a paper towel or dish cloth so it won’t dry out.

Once dough is cool enough to handle, add glitter a little bit at a time, and then knead. Repeat until all glitter (both kinds) is uniformly incorporated.

Once dough reaches room temperature, store in an air tight container or zipper bag.

More Computer Part Play

For a little more preschool robot fun shared in the Love to Learn Linky, download this free Robot Matching Game from Brain Power Boy.

60 Day Junk Play Challenge

I was inspired to play with old computer parts by a really cool series called the 60 Day Junk Play Challenge. It’s hosted by Best Toys 4 Toddlers who was inspired to find toys for her kids everywhere but the toy store. Click on over for ideas to make the most of your recycling bin!

Get more STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) right in your inbox!

By checking this box you would like to receive more information about our products/services, events, news, and offers.

Love to Learn Linky

Now it’s time for some more links! I hope you’ll join us for a fun and educational linky party. Bloggers, share your posts every Thursday and watch as we round them up and share them all over the place. Almost anything goes, we’re just hoping your activities teach kids (or us!) something (science, art, cooking, behavior, crafting, parenting etc…).

Reader Interactions

Comments

What a great idea Anne! I’m sure your daughter had tons of fun with this – what kid doesn’t love sticking stuff inside playdough after all – and this is such a fun twist! Love the chubby robot with letter feet!